Judge Overseeing D.C. Trial of Donald Trump Reportedly a Victim of 'Swatting'

Tanya Chutkan, the D.C. Circuit judge overseeing former President Donald Trump's federal election interference case, was reportedly the victim of an attempted "swatting" on Sunday night. "Swatting" involves a call to 9-1-1 reporting a fake emergency at the victim's address and prompting law enforcement to respond, usually with a SWAT team.

On Sunday night, police and fire trucks arrived at Chutkan's home after police received reports of a shooting at the residence.

Police confirmed to NBC News that they responded to false reports of a shooting at a house that a witness identified as Chutkan's home. A law enforcement official also confirmed that it was Chutkan’s home and that she was home when police arrived at her residence.
A police report obtained by NBC News said that officers with the Metropolitan Police Department responded to a call just after 10 p.m. ET that referenced a shooting that occurred at the location. Once authorities arrived at the scene, an unnamed subject said she "was not injured and that there was no one in her home."
Police "determined no shooting took place," a police spokesperson told NBC News. It's unclear from where or from whom the call to emergency services originated.

The D.C. case filed by Special Prosecutor Jack Smith against the former president is presently stayed pending resolution on appeal of the immunity issue. That issue is presently set to be argued before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday and will ultimately be heard by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Chutkan has been asked by Trump's legal team to hold the prosecution in contempt for continuing with motion and discovery practice despite the stay order she entered in mid-December.

Trump Team Fights Back With 'Powerhouse Motion' Requesting That DC Court Hold Jack Smith in Contempt

Thankfully, the incident at Chutkan's home was resolved without anyone being injured.

Unfortunately, hers wasn't the only such incident involving a high-profile official on Sunday. Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft was also reportedly swatted Sunday evening.

My home was just swatted. My family and I are safe. I am grateful to Jefferson City law enforcement for the professionalism with which they handled the situation.
— Jay Ashcroft (@JayAshcroftMO) January 8, 2024

Ashcroft, who is currently running for governor, was at home in Jefferson City with his family when he was contacted by law enforcement. His office issued a statement regarding the incident.

“It ended up with me walking out of my front door with my hands up with several armed police officers in front of my house. I’m so thankful the Jefferson City Police Department handled the situation with an extreme amount of professionalism and that no one was hurt. It is unfortunate their resources and manpower had to be used on a prank,” said Ashcroft. “I am hopeful those responsible for such childish, cowardice acts will be brought to justice.”
The police told Ashcroft that they received an emergency call saying that there had been a shooting at the residence.

In fact, there has been a spate of such incidents lately involving prominent officials and political figures. Jack Smith was reportedly targeted in an attempted swatting on Christmas Day. George Washington Law professor Jonathan Turley was the victim of an attempted swatting shortly after Christmas. And Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has been swatted numerous times.

MTG Gets Swatted on Christmas Day, Reveals Concerning Threats Against Her, Trump

Hopefully, the perpetrators of these incidents will be identified and brought to justice before someone gets hurt.